Nobody wants to think about breaking up, but unfortunately it's a large part of every relationship – until you find “the one.” When you break up with your girlfriend, it can seem like the pain will never end, and that you'll never find anyone else to be happy with. But, you will move on and be able to put your heart into another relationship. Here are six tips on how to make breaking up with your girlfriend less traumatic for both of you:

• If you're initiating the breakup, do it in person. Don't email her, call her, leave a message or text her. Not only is it disrespectful, but the other person gets no closure. Suck it up, meet her somewhere, and be honest and kind. Avoid blaming your girlfriend or lashing out, even if she gets mad or resorts to name calling. Most importantly, don't give her false hope or string her along, calling it a “break” for a few weeks just so you don't have to deal with her crying or becoming upset.

• Realize that it's not your fault, and it's not your partner's fault. You can be angry or hurt, especially if your partner cheated, or you know you didn't make enough time for the relationship. But, dwelling on whose fault the breakup was and letting that anger destroy you doesn't help.

• Let the break up happen naturally. Often, our first response is to try and dig in and stop a breakup, by begging the the other person to stay or becoming clingy. Unfortunately, when it's over, it's over, and it's better to let it go gracefully than stay in a relationship where things will only get worse.

• Take your time. After you break up with your girlfriend, your emotions will probably be all over the place. You could feel sad, worthless, relieved, and numb, all at once. Don't be in a rush to date another girl; let things happen naturally. You will get back in the dating game, and there is someone who is right for you, but don't try and find them right after you break up, or fill the void your partner left with a rebound relationship.

• Talk about the breakup – a lot. Many guys avoid talking about their feelings or are afraid of looking weak if they share their heartbreak. But, if you have a good friend, a trusted family member, or even a counselor, spilling your feelings will help you put things in perspective and begin to heal.

• Don't play with her feelings after the break up. Many guys feel lonely after they break up with their girlfriend, especially if they see her out with friends or with another guy. Rather than focusing on moving past the breakup, they call up their ex-girlfriend, have sex with them, or feel confused and talk about getting back together. This goes both ways: resist the urge to meet her if she calls or emails you, asking for another chance. You'll only prolong the pain and confuse your ex, so no drunken text messages or attempts to win her back unless you're 100% sure that's what you want.